Sabine Lisicki’s Wimbledon Magic; History Beckons for Bryan Brothers — The Friday Five

No matter how poor her results coming into or after Wimbledon, for that fortnight, Sabine Lisicki plays like a Top 5 talent. She’s defeated the reigning French Open champion four of the last five years (she didn’t play in 2010), and her winning percentage against Top 10 players on the lawns of the All England Club is quite impressive. But unlike in years past, Lisicki has managed to find enough consistency to book herself a place in her first major final. She’s in with an excellent shot against Bartoli to produce a little more magic to claim her maiden slam title. Irrespective of what happens Saturday, however, it will be a disappointment if Lisicki fails to follow up the rest of her season with stellar results. She has a powerful, all-around game and far too much talent not to be vying for the game’s biggest titles on a consistent basis. She also has an affable personality that the WTA could use right now, so here’s to hoping that this Wimbledon final is just the first of many major titles the German will be competing for.

Second Chances

In 2007, Marion Bartoli shocked Justine Henin to reach the Wimbledon final where she lost to Venus Williams. Now, six years later, Bartoli has once again defeated a Belgian in the final four to reach a Wimbledon final where she’ll face another talent with a big serve, powerful game, and brings her best on the grass. But things are a little different in 2013, too. Bartoli thrashed Flipkens in the semis instead of escaping by a hair, and her opponent in the final, Lisicki, is even less experienced at this stage than her. And despite struggling with her game for the past several months, Bartoli is looking like the Top 10 player that she can be once again. She showed no signs of nerves in the semis, not only relentlessly attacking virtually every ball with laser-like precision, but she showed a willingness to mix it up by coming forward. Assuming she doesn’t let the occasion get to her and is able to play at this high level on Saturday, tennis fans are going to be in for a real treat.

History Beckons

The Bryan Brothers have done almost anything there is to do in doubles, breaking records right and left. On Saturday, they’ll have the chance to add one more feather to their caps as they vie for the Wimbledon doubles crown. Should they win, they’ll have a “Bryan Bros.” Grand Slam and will become the first doubles duo in the Open Era to hold all four majors at once. Also, should they taste victory in London, look out when Flushing Meadows rolls around. The twins would then be going for a calendar-year Grand Slam, one of the rarest feats in the sport. They’ve managed to do just about anything else in the world of doubles, so why not this?

Still Standing

For all of the dramatic upsets and withdrawals that have unfolded the last two weeks, the top two favorites in the men’s field, Djokovic and Murray, are still standing. Both still have a little more work to do if they hope to contest the championship match on Sunday, but make no mistake, they’re heavy favorites to live up to their seeding. On paper, Djokovic has the more difficult of the two semis, with del Potro as his opponent. The two split meetings earlier this year, and the Argentine got the better of Djokovic on these same courts at the Olympics in 2012. But in this semifinal, you have to figure Djokovic’s experience will prove a major X factor. There’s also the knee issue that’s plaguing del Potro, and trying to defeat the Serb at less than 100% is a big ask. Janowicz will also have to come up with some spectacular answers if he’s to disappoint an entire nation by upsetting Murray. The Pole did get the better of Murray last year at the Paris Masters and has a monster serve. He’ll also go in knowing that Murray was less than steady in his quarterfinal clash with Verdasco. But Murray has far more experience in these situations, is the steadier of the two, especially in the mental department, and will have virtually all of the fans on the Centre Court in his corner. Both should be entertaining affairs, but expect Djokovic and Murray to set up a blockbuster final.

The Basics

After a stunning early loss at Wimbledon, Federer appears to be going back to the drawing board. In lieu of his usual break following the conclusion of Wimbledon, the Swiss will be adding two clay court events to his schedule. He’s set to contest Gstaad – the tournament that offered him his first wildcard – and Hamburg, which he’s also won more than a few times in the past. It may be interpreted by some as a troubling sign from the ageing veteran, but in many ways, Federer’s decision is one to be admired. He’s not letting his pride get in the way, and he’s smart to try and pick up a few events between now and the summer hard court season. He could use the rankings points, a chance to get his game clicking, and more than anything, a chance to gain some confidence. Hopefully he’s able to get it going so that he can be fully back in the mix come the US Open.